Chateau Montelena
Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Napa Valley
Chateau Montelena sets the standard for classically-styled, age-worthy Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Montelena has been crafting this wine since 1978 with fruit from their Estate Vineyard in Calistoga, a single-site with exceptionally unique terroir. The Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is enjoyable at any point in its lifecycle, from current release to 40 years old. This evolution is characteristic of Montelena, its property and climate. Committed to building and sharing age-worthy wines, they hold back 5-10 percent of production and periodically release small quantities of library vintages. With their decade re-release program in wholesale, the vintage of a decade prior of this wine is re-released alongside the current vintage.
VINEYARD
This wine is 100% made with estate fruit. The diversity of soils and slopes where this is grown in Calistoga directly translates to layers of complexity and depth in the glass. The Estate vineyard is comprised of varied terrain, from flat to steep hillsides. The vineyard gently slopes downward towards its base, where a small patch of sedimentary soil was deposited by the settling of an ancient ocean or lake. Extending out from the Napa River is the alluvial soil, the most prevalent type on the property. In the back and outside areas of the vineyard are volcanic soils, formed by ancient lava flows caused by tectonic uplifting.
VINTAGE
The 2011 vintage in Calistoga was shaped by a cool, prolonged growing season, punctuated by spring rains and an uncommonly cold summer. Careful canopy management and low yields were essential to achieve ripeness. Harvest came late under dry conditions, preserving acidity and aromatic precision. The wines show refined structure, moderate alcohol, and purity of fruit—marked by floral lift, red-toned fruit, and savory nuance. A classic, transparent expression of site that rewards patience and reveals a more restrained, age-worthy style.
TASTING NOTE
Incredibly floral and opulent nose with a distinctly red berry character, complemented by notes of Earl Grey and cedar. Dense but light on its feet, the contrast of velvety tannins and bright acid bookend a youthful and vibrant palate.
FOOD PAIRING
A powerhouse wine that can stand up to any number of complex dishes, but can be best enjoyed with beef, lamb, game (deer, venison) and mature, hard cheeses.
Color
Red
Blend %
99% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc
Appellation
Napa Valley
Alcohol
13.5%
Reviews
Decanter - June 26, 2018 "This cold rainy year has a bad reputation (some in Napa didn’t even pick), but the Montelena is one of the valley’s successes, with Bordeaux-like elegance, a red fruit profile, bright acidity and silky-soft tannins. Typically, the blend includes 20% hillside vineyard grapes - for this wine it was 35%. Aromas of lavender, earth, bay leaves and spice jump out of the glass and rich minerality ties together the savoury, subtle flavours."
Wine Advocate - February 28, 2018 "Pale to medium garnet-purple colored, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate features notes of cranberries, black raspberries and warm red currants with touches of garrigue, lavender and wild thyme. Medium-bodied with understated, chewy tannins and just enough freshness, it finishes with pleasant herb and toast flavors."
Vinous - October 1, 2014 "The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is a pretty wine from Chateau Montelena. Expressive floral and savory notes add complexity to the dark, pliant fruit in a soft, open Cabernet that is already quite tasty. I expect the 2011 will drink well early, but then again, these wines can be deceptively age worthy. That said, there are no hard edges or vegetal notes at all. Montelena's 2011 Estate impresses for its balance and overall sense of harmony."
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Potter Valley Riesling
Mendocino, California
Riesling is a hidden gem within the Chateau Montelena portfolio. Many people don’t know it exists, and once they do – they keep coming back for more. Stylistically, it is amazingly refreshing with notes of lemon blossom, honeysuckle and rose petal that are balanced by lively acidity.
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California
The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the balance of Montelena, classic “old-world” structure with ripe California fruit. It is crafted from fruit coming from the Montelena vineyard and several prime neighboring vineyards, all in the Calistoga AVA. The Montelena Napa Cabernet is a wine that delivers immediate pleasure upon release, but in Montelena style, while age and develop beautifully.
Napa Valley Chardonnay
Napa Valley, California
Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay combines the best of the old-world structure, acidity and grace, with California ripeness and texture. Having zero malolactic notes and limited oak, this style Chardonnay focuses on the importance of vintage, vineyard, and pure varietal character. The bright acidity builds nuanced complexity for 10-30 years. To showcase the ageability of this wine, the vintage of a half-decade prior is re-released alongside the current vintage.
Zinfandel
Napa Valley, California
Produced from grapes grown on the Montelena Estate vineyard, the Zinfandel is a classically-structured, subtle and refined wine. More than anything, it hearkens back to the way that Zinfandel was made in the 1960s and 1970s, with completely distinctive, rich and spicy California berry fruit, but a balance that made them no heavier than their Cabernet counterparts.
